Biodiesel Refinery

The Integrated Algal Biofuel Refinery in New Mexico was the world’s first commercial demonstration algae-to-energy facility of its scale.

Ames crews worked closely with the project owner and general contractor to provide design and constructability reviews for this unique project. With 2:1 slopes, the project manager and superintendent raised concerns about building the ponds. Ames used an innovative approach for the earthwork and detailed finish grading in constructing the pond embankments, cutting the radius slopes, and detailing out the center pond berm. These methods set the standard for construction of these ponds for future projects.

The work scope included process piping and embankment for the 75 lined ponds, site concrete, storm ditch concrete and paving, access road grading and gravel, and four single-span bridges for access over the stormwater ditches.